Here in Seattle, in addition to a poverty level of 10%, the homelessness population is the 3rd largest in the US. Not only are those who are marginalized not receiving the items and services they need most, but we know that most feel a little forgotten about and lacking a sense hope. Through the Hope Festival, we will change this.
Our largest project, the Hope Festival event itself, is our main vehicle for making a difference. Our mission is to, through the Hope Festival, serve those in need with a three-pronged approach. First, we provide those in need with short-term support, including tangible necessities and personal services. Second, we provide those in need with long-term support by connecting them with local nonprofits, agencies, and organizations who can provide long-term solutions for their specific needs. Finally, our goal is that every person we serve walks away with a newfound sense of hope. We aim to give those in need a reminder that they are important, that they are loved, and that they are never forgotten.
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, we were forced to postpone Hopefest 2020. We are hopeful that we will be able to hold our rescheduled Hopefest event in early 2021. Even though our original Hopefest 2020 had to be postponed, this didn\'t stop our team from taking action to support those in need. We are working tirelessly to support those in need during this difficult time. We first donated 300 hygiene packs to the Bellevue School District for distribution to those in need. We\'ve also donated a pallet worth of brand new infant/baby clothes to local shelters serving new mothers. And, we are currently arranging donations of much needed, brand new clothing for the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County, several preschool programs, the immigrant community, homeless shelters across state, and agencies supporting single mothers across the Seattle area. Currently, we are using donated fabric to fold hundreds of masks, which will be packed in COVID care kits (including food, hygiene supplies, COVID info, and a handwritten letter) and given out to those on the streets of downtown Seattle.
This experience truly showed us that while the obstacles may be extremely challenging, as leaders, you must step up to the plate and make those difficult decisions. While it was hard as a team of youth to make decisions regarding holding an event amidst a virus we knew nothing about, we knew that it is a leader\'s job to show up when the times are hard--not just when they\'re easy. That\'s exactly what we did.
If we are able to hold Hopefest in early 2021 (dependent on the current situation/King County reopening plan), we will need to work with local health officials to ensure that the event is safe for all.
While things didn\'t go as planned, the need in our community is greater than ever. My favorite part was that we stepped up to the challenge.
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